In a thrilling encounter at Toyota Stadium, Nagoya Grampus finally found their winning touch, defeating Yokohama FC 2-1 on March 29, 2025. This victory marked their first win in the J1 League this season, lifting them from the bottom of the table after a dismal start that saw them secure just two draws and four losses in their opening matches.
After a string of disappointing results, the atmosphere was electric as home fans witnessed their team break a club record for the worst start since 1997. The anticipation was palpable, and the players responded with determination and skill.
It didn’t take long for Nagoya to make their mark on the game. Just 16 minutes into the first half, midfielder Katsuhiro Nakayama intercepted the ball in the attacking third, quickly passing it to midfielder Tsukasa Morishima. Morishima then set up forward Mateus Castro, who delivered a precise cross. The ball found Ryuji Izumi, who executed a perfect diving header to give Nagoya a 1-0 lead, marking his first goal of the season.
Yokohama FC, determined to respond, made tactical changes at the start of the second half, bringing on fresh legs in an attempt to shift the momentum. However, it was Nagoya who struck again. Just three minutes into the second half, a free kick taken by Mateus ricocheted off Yokohama's Solomon Sakuragawa's arm, resulting in a penalty kick. Kisho Inuzuka stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, extending Nagoya's lead to 2-0.
Despite the two-goal deficit, Yokohama FC refused to back down. The visitors ramped up their offensive efforts, introducing new forward Lukian to bolster their attack. However, Nagoya's defense, led by the impressive goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak, held firm. Langerak, making his first start of the season, showcased his skills with a remarkable save in the 69th minute, denying Lukian's header from a corner kick.
The match took a dramatic turn in the dying moments of the game. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Yokohama finally found the back of the net. Midfielder Eito Yamane delivered a precise pass to forward Musashi Suzuki, who managed to squeeze the ball past Langerak. This late goal injected a sense of urgency into the final moments, but time was not on Yokohama's side.
As the final whistle blew, Nagoya celebrated their much-needed victory, moving up to 19th place in the league standings. The win not only lifted the spirits of the players but also brought joy to the fans who had been waiting for this moment. The team’s head coach expressed his relief and pride in the players’ performance, stating, "This win is a testament to our hard work and resilience. We’ve faced challenges, but today we proved our potential. We need to build on this momentum going forward."
Looking ahead, Nagoya Grampus will aim to carry this newfound confidence into their next matches, seeking to climb further up the league table. Meanwhile, Yokohama FC will need to regroup and reassess their strategy as they continue their campaign in the J1 League.
The excitement of this match serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where fortunes can change rapidly. Fans are left wondering whether this victory will be the turning point for Nagoya Grampus as they strive to avoid relegation and reclaim their position among Japan's elite football clubs.
